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11 Things to See in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a very unique soul on Northern European area. It has this fantastic vibe where you feel relaxed, comfy, happy and enjoying life. The amazing views from the canals, the best places to drink coffee and also hidden local restaurants in the narrow streets are only a few to name which gives you this mood. Amsterdam is a young city waiting for you to discover the best things to enjoy and make the best memories of your trip. You might wonder what things to see in Amsterdam while you are here – and you should. There are so many to see that you might need a couple days extra in town! The best attractions in Amsterdam are scattered around the city but we have gathered them here for you!

Amsterdam is there to put magic on you. With its amazing museums, delicious food, friendly people and actually with quite romantic scenes! It is time to pack your stuff and book a flight to Amsterdam. Of course, don’t forget to note down these 11 things to see in Amsterdam.

1.TULIP SEASON

If there is a magical season in Amsterdam, that’s the tulip season. A season where everywhere looks just like a perfectly vibrant painting. The best place to enjoy such views would be Keukenhof, which is only 25 km away from central Amsterdam. Keukenhof is a great place to visit for the massive tulip fields from the end of March to mid-May. The flowers are in the best during the spring and as they are very delicate. It is not possible to see large fields this colorful outside the season. If you happened to be in Amsterdam during spring, visiting tulip fields can make a great day trip outside of city center. You can rent a bike and cycle around the park as well while viewing all these amazing tulip scenes.

2. RIJKSMUSEUM

If there is only one museum that you can visit in Amsterdam, that should be Rijksmuseum. Along with its enchanting architecture, the collection in this museum is definitely something you cannot forget. Rijksmuseum is a home to many famous Dutch artists. It allows you to explore the history and development of these artists from the Netherlands throughout the years. The museum s located in one of the most crowded and lively streets in Amsterdam and right next to Van Gogh’s Museum – which you can also stop by after here.

The first floor starts with early ancient ages and moves within the time as you climb up. In order to grasp the basics, you need at least two or three hours in the museum – more would be better. However, all the time spent here would worth! It is a true gem in Amsterdam not only for art lovers but for all travelers.

3.HEINEKEN EXPERIENCE

Would you like to give a break from your sightseeing and drink something to relax? Well, do them at the same time! Heineken is the first brewery built in central Amsterdam in 1864 and it’s here since then. The actual brewery stopped working in 1988 because of the high demand, so the whole complex now serves as an experience-museum. If you are fond of beers, Heineken Experience is a great opportunity to learn about the history of beer in Amsterdam. The ticket is only 18€, you get a free city map and two bottles of Heineken during the tour. The brewery is open every day, all year so you don’t need to worry about timing either. Cheers to this!

4. ANNE FRANK’S HOUSE

Anne Frank’s House is a museum dedicated to the Anne Frank and her diary which gives an insight from a little girl’s perspective to live during the Second World War as a Jewish. The Diary of Anne Frank is a well-known novel right now. It was translated into 70 languages and published all around the world. She was a Jewish girl who had to hide away from the Nazis along with her family and other Jewish residents in Amsterdam during the occupation.

As she started writing her diary in Amsterdam in this house, the building was retrieved with many efforts and donated to be a part of Anne Frank‘s living history. If you want to learn more about the historical details of the events, read the book or intending to read the book, you should definitely visit here. The tickets are 5€ with reduced and 10€ as a standard with the free audio tour.

5. VAN GOGH MUSEUM

Amsterdam has many great artists including Vincent Van Gogh. However, unfortunately, his passion and work were not appreciated enough. Nowadays, he is one of the most famous painters all around the world. You can see the collection of drawings and paintings that Van Gogh produced through his life including the ones he produced in the South of France. There are also other collections such as his friends like Gaugin and Bernard, Japanese and French prints – which he used to collect with his brother Theo, some French contemporary collections are available as well. The museum is a great place to learn about his life, his inspirations too. The museum ticket is 18€ for adults and free for under 18 year-olds. The building is just next to the I Amsterdam sign and Rijksmuseum too, which are very centrally located in the city center.

6. DE NEGEN STRAATJES

If you are not a museum person but still would like to discover the heart of the city by walking, eating and shopping; we have a recommendation. De Negen Straatjes is an area comprised of 9 streets – also the English translation of the name of the area. The famous activity area is built on the canal belt within the four main canal sides: Singel, Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht. The area has everything you can name of from eateries to vintage shops, art galleries to fashion boutiques, bakeries to bookshops. Whatever you can think about buying it in one of these nine streets! The area is very convenient to reach as well, a few minutes away from Anne Frank’s House and Dam Square. If you want to take a peak in the stores, that’s for free – but you may lose it when you see all the goodies here!

7. WINDMILLS

Well, if you buy a magnet from Amsterdam what is on it or shaped like? One of the answers is – a windmill. There are eight windmills around Amsterdam that you still can see and visit some. They might differ in function, size, type or the location but they all belong to the Dutch history both economically. There are even special festivals to be held in windmills during the year which you should also join if you are in town! Most of these windmills are very old now and cannot host a tour or can be seen from the inside. However, you can always enjoy a view from outside, while you are cycling or having a picnic outdoors. Molen van Sloten can be visited daily and you can also see De Krijtmolen d’Admiraal, it is open to public the second Saturday of each month.

8. VOLDELPARK

Do you want to get some fresh air in a green area, enjoy the birds and maybe have a picnic right in the middle of the town? Why not? Vondelpark is the ultimate answer for you. This fantastic place is the largest park in Amsterdam near Museumplein, welcoming both locals and travelers during all year. The construction of the park was initiated by locals in the 19th century as they asked for a local park for the community. They raised money within the members of community and Vondelpark was born 150 years ago. Nowadays, the park is a perfect place to spend some nice hours, reading a book, meeting with friends or for cycling. It is also perfect for families as there are six playground areas for the kids!

9. TASTE OF AMSTERDAM

Taste of Amsterdam is an annual food festival held in Amstelpark for four days. Here you can enjoy the local Dutch cuisine, artisanal beers, farmers market, local cheese, master classes and mostly everything about food! The greatest restaurants and eateries in Amsterdam gather here to offer you more than 100 dishes to taste. You can create your own tasting menu, sing up for a class or simply can enjoy a glass of drink while listening to some live music. The dishes vary from 5 to 7.5€ for the tasting. The foodies should definitely visit the festival – you might even catch a demonstration class from a Michelin starred chef! Make sure you book a place in advance as the capacity is limited and the event is quite popular.

10. SPECIALTY COFFEE

Amsterdam is a great place for a coffee snob – that’s one of the cities where the third wave specialty coffee shops are developed and gain reputation. There is a wide range of coffee shops in Amsterdam – here the issue is the real ones serving the best coffees to drink. The roasteries, baristas, flat whites, baked cookies, carrot cakes are all coming together in these beautiful places. There are so many great specialty coffee shops in Amsterdam that they actually deserve a tour! You can check our top choices from here. Enjoy the smell of roasted beans, freshly brewed filtered coffees and perfectly made latte arts here.

11. ALBERT CUYP MARKT

Each city has a local market and in Amsterdam, it is Albery Cuyp Market. The market welcomes its customers every day since 1904 and going strong! The market is located in the popular neighborhood of De Pijp. You can find fresh produce stalls, cheese, processed meat, fresh fish, flowers, street food vendors – you name it! The market is open from Monday to Saturday, according to the season the opening times may vary; they mostly close early in winters. If you want to take a look at where locals buy fresh produces and ingredients, this market is a must in Amsterdam.